Harry Owens – a radio veteran

Harry Owens is a beloved member of the Salisbury and Gawler communities and was a volunteer radio presenter at PBA FM for 29 years. And, he’s a veteran in more than one way.

Navy veteran

Born in WA, Harry joined navy at 17 and served for 7 years, including the Pacific Malayan Emergency. Following his service, he married and settled in NSW. Along with involvement with the local RSL, he became interested in amateur theatricals. He wrote shows for his RSL and other clubs around Windsor and Richmond. He also began to work as a compere in NSW.

In 1976 he moved to Salisbury in SA and continued his involvement with the RSL, first Payneham then Salisbury. He was President of the Salisbury RSL for 11 years.

In 1978 his play, Trilogy, featured in the Fringe Festival with Northern Lights company at the Shedley Theatre. It dealt with the themes of courtship, marriage, and divorce.

Spruiker

Not long afterward, he was made redundant and while looking for work he was wandering through Harris Scarfe one day and saw a young bloke with a mic selling underwear. He felt called to tryout as a spruiker, won the job, and spruiked in Rundle Mall and Elizabeth Shopping Centre for many years.

Once he rang up Adelaide Video to get voice work. The owner took Harry’s name and he ended up doing some jobs for him. One day the boss picked him up and asked, “How are things at the ABC?” Despite the perfect voice, Harry never worked at the ABC.

His spruiking brought him into contact with many opportunities. He was asked to do voice-overs for corporate videos – which ended up being a lucrative role. His voice was heard in various clips for Santos and medical companies. Harry always had a keen interest in radio and he’d been told he had a good voice for it, but at the time was fully dedicated with three children.

In 1996 he acted on his interest and rang PBA-FM, at that time located at the SA College of Advanced Education (later University of South Australia). He began hosting request programs and showcases. Then one day he received a call from Brian Grant, frustrated by all the modern voices and seeking that classic one. He’d found his man in Harry Owens, who went on to become the voice of Brian and Joy Grant’s, Discover Adelaide video.

Poet

Somewhat of a Renaissance man, Harry has written 250 poems that he says keep him busy with something he enjoys and give him a chance to express himself. As a child he wasn’t a fan of arithmetic but English and literature held his attention. His Scottish literature teacher taught his class about the great poets of the world – Henry Lawson and Andrew Barton (Banjo) Paterson were favourites. When he first signed on to the Navy he posted a poem anonymously on a noticeboard. He was amused when he saw his poem on another ship, attributed to Petty Officer, Joe Bloggs.

Harry moved to Gawler recently, and caught the train to Salisbury where he presented a weekly program, Something for Everyone on PBA-FM. His voice will also be recognised on 89.7FM having scripted and voiced Colonial Calendar and Australians in Profile and Australiana. Harry hung up his headphones in August, 2025, but his golden voice lives on in these segments.

Golfer

You might see Harry around, he’s a keen golfer, having scored 25 certificated holes-in-one during his career.

And if you’re interested in radio, why not give PBA FM 89.7 a call? Harry started producing and presenting in his mid-60s, so it’s never too late to get your voice on the airwaves. Take the advice from a radio veteran!